A review by lovelymisanthrope
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This novel took 2022 by storm and topped every "Best Book" list I came across, so I knew I had to pick it up. I am always cautious to pick up a book with so much hype, because I worry it will never be able to live up to the adoration it seemingly has. However, this book blew me away, and deserves every word of praise it has received.
"Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" follows two young people from when they meet as children throughout their lives until they are in their thirties. Sadie and Sam meet in the hospital, where Sam is a patient following a major car accident that took his mother from him, and where Sadie is spending time because her sister is very ill. Sadie and Sam bond over their shared love of video gaming, and a special friendship grows, until Sam finds out that Sadie was asked to be his friend because he would not speak to anyone. A decade later they reconnect with each other and decide to build a game together, which launches their careers and takes them both back home to LA.
 
This novel approaches a myriad of subjects with grace, care, and talent. Grief is a prominent theme throughout the novel, and it becomes a huge topic of discussion for all of the characters. Grief can feel crippling and isolating, and what this novel does superbly is highlight that you are never really alone. Despite all of the loss and heartbreak throughout the novel, the characters each move through the motions in their way to process through their grief and become stronger versions of themselves.
Gabrielle Zevin's writing is immaculate. The characters all have very distinct personalities and are perfectly crafted to be interesting on their own, but equally intriguing when paired with the other characters in the story. Throughout the novel, there are moments in the writing that are just so beautiful you want to stop reading the savor the words.
Marx was one of my favorite characters that I have ever read. He is compelling and captivating and has the most beautiful outlook on life. He approaches everything, no matter how seemingly small with the brightest, most positive attitude. His personality is electric, and he was EXACTLY what both Sam and Sadie needed in their lives. The moment he was shot I knew I was going to be devastated. My heart broke for Sadie, and Sam, but I really loved being in Marx's head while he was in a coma. This type of writing seemed risky, but it moved the story along in a fresh way and made me feel despair on a whole new level.
I really enjoyed that this was not a typical love story about two friends that share so much life together. This story is about finding yourself and cherishing the people you meet along the way that help you to evolve into your truest self. Yes, Sam and Sadie would be great together, but that is not the point of this story. 
 
I will undoubtably read more from Gabrielle Zevin in the future.
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